Expert: Becky - 6/27/2006

Question
Why is it that my cat seems to have lost her ability to meow?  She is a house cat and is 13 years old.  I hope you can help me.  When she does try to meow, a noise comes out but it is just a little tiny one you can barely hear.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Rita,

First I want to congratulate you for taking such good care of your cat.  Living to be 13 is very impressive!  I have only had one cat that lived that long, she actually lived to be 17.  I have lost any others that I have had due to illness.  Right now , though,  I do have a Cornish Rex that is around 10 years old.
I'm not sure why your cat doesn't meow anymore like she used to. I would be that her age has a lot to do with it. Just like older people, their voices tend to get a bit "crackly", I would think our cats are probably the same.  I wouldn't worry unless you see swelling or if she stops eating/drinking.  Then, I would be concerned about something wrong with her vocal chords.  But I really think she is just old and not as vocal as she once was.  

God Bless,
Becky